My extensive field testing of the Taurus PT145 uncovered several noteworthy issues with this particular firearm.
The common Taurus PT145 Problems I encountered included safety concerns, feeding problems, issues with returning to battery, magazine-related troubles, firing pin problems, and slide malfunctions.
In this article, I will delve into each of these problems, offering my insights and the potential solutions I’ve discovered to assist other users.
Overview of Problems & their Solutions
| Problems | Solutions |
| Safety Problems | Move finger away from the trigger while engaging safety mode. |
| Feeding Problems | Cut coil spring and file follower in magazine. |
| Not Returning To Battery | Clean and lubricate the pistol thoroughly. |
| Magazine Issues | Replace magazine catch, eject button, and springs, or consult Taurus. |
| Firing Pin Problem | Clean or replace the firing pin. |
| Slide Problems | Submit to Taurus for maintenance under their limited lifetime warranty. |
Top 6 Taurus PT145 Problems & Solutions
1. Safety Problems
During my hands-on testing of the Taurus PT145, I stumbled upon a peculiar issue with the manual safety button.
I noticed that if the safety function was activated while keeping a finger on the trigger, even with a small amount of trigger pull, it caused a malfunction.
Instead of being behind the trigger, the component that locks the trigger went in front of it, allowing the gun to fire. However, the trigger and slider remained locked, causing confusion and potential risk.
Solution
To tackle this problem, I carefully reviewed the safety function. I found that the fix was relatively simple: the safety function must be activated with precision, ensuring that the trigger is not softly pulled while turning the safety switch on.
The best practice I found was to move the trigger finger away from the trigger while engaging in safety mode.
This approach effectively resolved the problem, providing an important lesson in the proper handling of the safety mechanism.
2. Feeding Problems
During my hands-on testing of the Taurus PT145, I often came across an issue related to the feeding of ammunition.
A cartridge being fed with its head down became a noticeable problem, something I hadn’t expected initially. This issue seemed more pronounced when the magazine featured a 10-inch coil spring instead of an 8-inch one.
It also appeared that the size of the follower contributed to the difficulty, making the feeding problem a multi-layered concern.
Solution
I found that a practical fix to this problem was shortening the 10-inch coil spring within the magazine. I carefully cut one and a half to two coils from the top, ensuring not to cut the larger coils from the bottom.
Then, I filed the follower to make it smaller, enabling it to rise further up the magazine. I also filed the lip for the sliding lock to work with the follower and polished the components.
Following these steps, I found a noticeable improvement in feeding, turning a potentially frustrating problem into a manageable one.
3. Not Returning To Battery
In my field testing, I noticed a peculiar issue with the Taurus PT145 – the gun would not return to battery while loading a round if the slide was eased shut.
This was quite concerning as it happened unexpectedly after a range trip. It was one of those situations that could catch a user off guard, affecting the overall functionality of the firearm and causing a real inconvenience.
Solution
Upon identifying this problem, I set out to fix it, believing that a solution could be found through basic maintenance.
I thoroughly cleaned and lubricated the pistol, making sure to pay attention to all the crucial parts that could be affecting its return to battery.
Much to my relief, this straightforward method did indeed fix the problem. It was a lesson in the importance of regular upkeep and how simple care can sometimes solve seemingly complicated issues.
4. Magazine Issues
During my field trials, a rather frustrating issue cropped up with the Taurus PT145. I observed that the magazine could come out automatically after shooting a bullet.
This problem might happen once or twice in every magazine or sometimes even more frequently. It was clear that this wasn’t just a one-time fluke but a consistent malfunction that needed immediate attention.
I pinpointed the faulty areas, which included the magazine catch, the magazine eject button and the springs.
Solution
In my pursuit of a solution, I initially replaced the magazine catch of the gun. When that didn’t completely solve the issue, I replaced the magazine eject button and the springs.
I also took extra care to notice that my hands were not obstructing the magazine release button while shooting.
If these fixes aren’t sufficient, sending the gun to Taurus for professional repair is recommended. These efforts finally resolved the problem, giving me a smoother experience with this firearm.
5. Firing Pin Problem
In my field testing of the Taurus PT145, another problem I stumbled upon was related to the firing pin.
I faced jamming issues, and upon inspecting the primers, I discovered that the firing pin was stuck.
This meant that the force wasn’t powerful enough to shoot the round, resulting in failure to fire. It’s a serious problem that requires immediate attention as it directly affects the firearm’s primary function.
Solution
My first step towards a solution was to clean the firing pin thoroughly. I stripped the slide and gave the firing pin channel a good clean.
If cleaning wasn’t enough, I found replacing the firing pin necessary. I removed the slide, removed the spring and the barrel, and removed the firing pin using a screwdriver after removing the black component behind it.
This fix resolved the issue and restored the firearm to proper working order, affirming the importance of proper maintenance and understanding of the firearm’s components.
6. Slide Problems
In my extensive testing of the Taurus PT145, I faced a problem where the slide wouldn’t move all the way forward, meaning it wouldn’t fully enter the battery.
This problem manifested itself when squeezing the trigger for the first time; the slide didn’t move all the way, and there was no gunshot.
It was a worrying and repeated issue that required a second attempt at pulling the trigger to fire the round. It’s a concern that could affect the firearm’s reliability in a critical moment.
Solution
After identifying this issue, I concluded that both the recoil spring and the slide catch needed to be changed. Given this fix’s complexity, I advise submitting the firearm to Taurus for maintenance.
Thanks to their limited lifetime warranty, they have the expertise to correct this problem without charging you.
This solution brought the firearm back to its normal operation, reinforcing the value of professional service when dealing with intricate problems.
Conclusion
The Taurus PT145 offers a complex but intriguing experience. Though I encountered various problems during my extensive field testing, from safety concerns to slide malfunctions, I found that many of these issues were manageable with careful handling, regular maintenance, and a thorough understanding of the firearm’s mechanics.
The solutions ranged from simple cleaning and minor adjustments to professional servicing. It’s clear that while the Taurus PT145 has its challenges, its attributes and functionality can be quite dependable when treated with respect and care.
Overall, my experience with this firearm has been enlightening, demonstrating that awareness of the weaknesses and knowing how to address them can greatly enhance the user’s experience.
FAQs
Why did Taurus discontinue the pt145?
Discontinued in 2015 due to a lawsuit over alleged safety defects.
Is Taurus a quality firearm?
Yes, Taurus is considered a good gun brand, offering reliable and affordably priced handguns like the Taurus G2c in 9mm or .40 S&W.
